When news came that there was trouble back in Texas...Holt McKettrick left a mail-order bride and his family on the spot!

And he never looked back. He just prayed he'd be in time to save the man who had raised him as a son and keep his best friend from the gallows. He knew he'd encounter rustlers, scoundrels and thieves. But he'd never expected to find a woman like LoreleiWhen news came that there was trouble back in Texas...Holt McKettrick left a mail-order bride and his family on the spot!

And he never looked back. He just prayed he'd be in time to save the man who had raised him as a son and keep his best friend from the gallows. He knew he'd encounter rustlers, scoundrels and thieves. But he'd never expected to find a woman like Lorelei Fellows.

Setting fire to her wedding dress in the town square probably wasn't the best way to stand her ground.

But Lorelei had had enough. She was sick of men and their schemes. All she wanted was to stake her claim on her own little piece of Texas. And with Holt McKettrick as a neighbor, things were beginning to look up. The man was a straight shooter with a strong will, a steady aim and a hungry heart....more

Community Reviews

Linda Lael Miller is known for writing heart-tugging, emotional Western romances, and with MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE, she delivers yet again. The MCKETTRICK BROTHERS TRILOGY began in 2002 with HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE, followed in 2003 with SHOTGUN BRIDE, and finished in 2004 with SECONDHAND BRIDE. The saga now takes a surprising turn in 2005 with MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE, the story of the oldest McKettrick brother, Holt, who was raised away from the iron fist of family patriarch, Angus, and the three brothers fLinda Lael Miller is known for writing heart-tugging, emotional Western romances, and with MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE, she delivers yet again. The MCKETTRICK BROTHERS TRILOGY began in 2002 with HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE, followed in 2003 with SHOTGUN BRIDE, and finished in 2004 with SECONDHAND BRIDE. The saga now takes a surprising turn in 2005 with MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE, the story of the oldest McKettrick brother, Holt, who was raised away from the iron fist of family patriarch, Angus, and the three brothers from the trilogy-Rafe, Kade, and Jeb.

Holt McKettrick spent a large part of his life as Holt Cavanagh, adopted son of John Cavanagh, a rancher with a spread outside of San Antonio, Texas. Now back in the McKettrick fold-with the tensions and egos that four competing males are bound to bring-Holt is in the process of marrying Miss Margaret Tarquin when a letter from Texas changes his plans.

The short note advises Holt that his adoptive father, John, is about to be driven from his land, and former Ranger buddy, Gabe Navarro, is to be hanged for murder and thievery. Holt, as a McKettrick and a Cavanagh, has no choice but to leave the Arizona Territory and return to Texas to set matters straight.

But upon arrival, mayhem awaits. People have been killed, lands have been burned, and one Miss Lorelie Fellows, who happens to own the land next to John Cavanagh's, is attempting to drive Holt insane.

MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE is Western historical romance at its best-lively characters, a wonderful story line, attention to historic detail, and Ms. Miller's personal brand of story-telling make this book a very enjoyable read. Mystery, suspense, passion, and family duty don't disappoint. ...more

Holt's book may be my favorite of the 4 McKettrick's brother's books. Like Miller's other books in this series the secondary characters were great, and added so much to each of the books. This book had a little of everything in it from bad guy rancher to cattle drive to Commanche Indians. It took place in Texas and not at home on the Triple M in Arizona. There was some humor also between the H/h and secondary characters. Rafe was in this book. My how he has changed (his attitude and handling ofHolt's book may be my favorite of the 4 McKettrick's brother's books. Like Miller's other books in this series the secondary characters were great, and added so much to each of the books. This book had a little of everything in it from bad guy rancher to cattle drive to Commanche Indians. It took place in Texas and not at home on the Triple M in Arizona. There was some humor also between the H/h and secondary characters. Rafe was in this book. My how he has changed (his attitude and handling of women) from his book in the series. I liked the easy friendship between Rafe and Lorelei.

I really liked Lorelei Fellows. She stood her ground, and was not easily run over by all the controlling men in her life, some who were down right mean. Holt and Lorelei had a lot of tension between them. You wanted to see them together. You wanted them to declare their love to one another, but it didn't go overboard to the point you were irratated with either one for their stubborness. I understood their stubborness.

I like the epiloge, but would have liked it to be a little bit longer. I just wasn't ready for their story to end. I would have liked a few more pages of life at the Triple M in Arizona with all the family around....more

Really pretty good in terms of a western story that has a lot of action outside of the romance part. By this time - book 4 - I am pretty fed up with the 'spitfire, snarling heroines' that are in every single book. Really, people do fall in love without all of that rancor! Minus 1/2 star.

Also, there is the issue of Ms. Miller's timeline on the age of Angus McKettrick and the gaps in ages between him and Holt, and of his other sons. That probably won't occur to anyone just reading thKindle Edition

Really pretty good in terms of a western story that has a lot of action outside of the romance part. By this time - book 4 - I am pretty fed up with the 'spitfire, snarling heroines' that are in every single book. Really, people do fall in love without all of that rancor! Minus 1/2 star.

Also, there is the issue of Ms. Miller's timeline on the age of Angus McKettrick and the gaps in ages between him and Holt, and of his other sons. That probably won't occur to anyone just reading this book, but if you start at Book 1, then you ask yourself about this, and why it was never corrected. Anyway, that makes Holt over 40... maybe older.

This is my last McKettrick book for the foreseeable future. I liked the historical part of this series outside of the snarling, spitting, and snarking between the heroes and heroines, and I have no wish to continue it through a lot of other books about modern-day McKettricks. I did want to finish reading about the original brothers, and I have now done so....more

I would rate this 3-1/2 stars, but it had the potential to be a 4 star book. What I liked about the book, which revolved around Holt, the half-brother and (fourth of McKettrick's brothers stories in this series), was that it was well-written, had descriptive and detailed prose and vivid, interesting and diverse characters. I was disappointed for much of the same reasons -- the story, while well-written, had too many sub-plots. It was difficult to know what was the "main" story being told. Nor, wI would rate this 3-1/2 stars, but it had the potential to be a 4 star book. What I liked about the book, which revolved around Holt, the half-brother and (fourth of McKettrick's brothers stories in this series), was that it was well-written, had descriptive and detailed prose and vivid, interesting and diverse characters. I was disappointed for much of the same reasons -- the story, while well-written, had too many sub-plots. It was difficult to know what was the "main" story being told. Nor, was any chemistry whatsoever between Holt and Lorelei, though I kept reading in the hopes that there was a romance to be found. There was no true dialogue between this hero and heroine, which would have allowed for such a relationship. In fact, Lorelei had more conversations with Rafe (the brother)than with Holt.

The ending, while "satisfying" was also too good to be true, and felt a bit rushed. After reading pages that takes readers on a long journey, which included broken relationships, cattle drives, reunions and a bit of mystery, I expected more depth to the ending. ...more

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Usually I'm not that into western themed romances but this one was recommended by a friend from a class at college so I gave it a try and you know.. wow.. this was a good book!

Unlike so many other romance novels that come out lately, this one actually had a good, solid plot and solid characters. It was more than just poorly written smut .. in fact there was really only one romantic scene and it was very tastefully written, without the overlI was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Usually I'm not that into western themed romances but this one was recommended by a friend from a class at college so I gave it a try and you know.. wow.. this was a good book!

Unlike so many other romance novels that come out lately, this one actually had a good, solid plot and solid characters. It was more than just poorly written smut .. in fact there was really only one romantic scene and it was very tastefully written, without the overly written. . soft-core porn taint that so many books now seem to have. (For the record .. if any authors out there read this.. STOP WITH THE TRASH SEX SCENES PLEASE?!?! Try writing a real story huh? Thx!)

This one is really good, and I'm going to get the other books in this series in hopes that they'll be as well, and as tastefully written..

When news came that there was trouble back in Texas, Holt McKettrick left his mail-order bride at the altar and never looked back. He just hoped he'd be in time to save the man who raised him as a son and stop his best friend from hanging. Setting fire to her wedding dress in the town square probably wasn't the best way to stand her ground, but Lorelei Fellows was through with men and theirTitle: McKettrick's Choice

Series: The McKettrick's Series

Author: Linda Lael Miller

Genre: Historical Romance

When news came that there was trouble back in Texas, Holt McKettrick left his mail-order bride at the altar and never looked back. He just hoped he'd be in time to save the man who raised him as a son and stop his best friend from hanging. Setting fire to her wedding dress in the town square probably wasn't the best way to stand her ground, but Lorelei Fellows was through with men and their schemes. All she wanted was to stake her claim on a little piece of Texas. With Holt McKettrick as her new neighbor, things began to look up. He was a straight shooter with a strong will, a steady aim and a hungry heart, and the sparks between them couldn't be denied--if they could just make it through a cattle drive and a range war without killing each other

I got this book at a book swap and I reluctantly picked it up to read it, thinking that I would not enjoy the book. Boy was I wrong, I have to stop passing judgement on books before I read them, otherwise I would miss out on a lot of good books.

What would you do if a letter came to you stating that the man who raised like his son is about to lose his land and your best friend is going to hanged for a crime he did not commit?........oh and it's also your wedding day!

If your answer is get married, well you'd would be wrong. Hot Mckettrick chose his "adopted family" and rode off to Texas to save the people he cares about, leaving behind his daughter and his real family.

Lorelei Fellows is the, daughter of a tyrant judge, who as a statement burned her wedding dress in the town square after finding her soon to be husband in bed with a house maid, and on their wedding day no less.

After watching the dress burn a few minutes, Lorelei turned to walk away when large hands grab her and she is turned to look into the angry face of Holt Mckettrick.

Holt never saw someone like Miss Lorelei, especially since she was foolish enough to start a fire that could spread like crazy. After having some bad words between each other, Lorelei stalks off hoping that Holt will go back from where ever he came from.

But as luck would have it, in order for the both of them to achieve their goals, they keep bumping into each other. Holt has to save his adopted father's ranch, prove his best friend's innocence and keep everyone alive whilst doing it; and having some ungrateful to proud of a woman tagging along when an opportunity to purchase cattle arises, is going to add a whole new set of problems that he does not need.

Lorelei was adamant, and with the combine farces of Holt's brother and reason, Lorelei got her ways. So they all set out on a cattle drive.

On their way they encountered Comanches, ghost, a fire and a deaf baby. Taking on those was the easy part for Holt, dealing with Lorelei was the hard part. Feel like your missing something, read the book to fill in the blanks.

I liked this book, I read the urgency in what the writer wrote, there was a lot of what if's and I liked that. The romance, to me, seemed like an after thought. You have a good story line and then the romance was just thrown in, and it did not even seem to really fit their personalities. I keep getting thrown by what Holt and Lorelei say to each other, especially the love scene. It did not fit because Lorelei does not come of like the type of woman to give in as easily as she did.

Other than that, I was satisfied by the book and I know you would too, to look for Linda Lael Miller, she writes exciting and thrilling work.

This is book 4 in the McKettricks series, and I have to say even though we've moved away from the supporting characters & the main couples from the previous 3 books the new supporting characters in this book are wonderful. Just as entertaining, just as funny and just as captivating. Fortunately we still get Rafe who is on this Texas journey with his brother Holt (this books Hero) and they are magic together on paper :). The Heroine Lorelei is awesome. I loved her journey in this book, it wasThis is book 4 in the McKettricks series, and I have to say even though we've moved away from the supporting characters & the main couples from the previous 3 books the new supporting characters in this book are wonderful. Just as entertaining, just as funny and just as captivating. Fortunately we still get Rafe who is on this Texas journey with his brother Holt (this books Hero) and they are magic together on paper :). The Heroine Lorelei is awesome. I loved her journey in this book, it was eye opening. Reading about her taking brave steps to have her own life (however foolish they where) and watching her realize how unfair the world is for some, and coming to that place of gratitude for what she had, was so human... This was by far the most emotional book in the series for me. I cried a lot.

After reading these first 4 books in this series my only complaint would be the length of the epilogue. I really felt like I needed more. That being said, these book where so good that I won't deduct a star for that.

Once again this book had it all, a great story, humor, suspense, action, angst, romance and mild steam. The chemistry between Holt & Lorelei was great, and the banter between them was priceless. This was a definite page turner that kept me captivated from start to finish!...more

A strong but sensitive hero and a spunky, independent, determined heroine in a satisfying romance set in Texas and Arizona in 1888. I will definately be looking for the other books in the McKettrick's series. Having met Holt's brothers and their wives, I'd like to read their stories.

The story was cute and predictable but about 3/4 of the way in you start to get annoyed with how slow things are progressing. Ended fine though. I liked the protrayal of what it would be like to drive cattle. Makes you feel like you were there which is what I liked.

On his wedding day, Holt McKettrick gets word that his adoptive father is in trouble, and one of his friends is set to hang. He sets out immediately, leaving his bride behind. Upon reaching San Antonio, he sees another bride burning her wedding dress in the street. Lorelei Fellows is a courageous woman who is taking control of her own life. The two fight like wildcats before finally succumbing to each other. Although Holt is a little more high-handed and alpha than I usually enjoy in a hero, LorOn his wedding day, Holt McKettrick gets word that his adoptive father is in trouble, and one of his friends is set to hang. He sets out immediately, leaving his bride behind. Upon reaching San Antonio, he sees another bride burning her wedding dress in the street. Lorelei Fellows is a courageous woman who is taking control of her own life. The two fight like wildcats before finally succumbing to each other. Although Holt is a little more high-handed and alpha than I usually enjoy in a hero, Lorelei is a match for him in terms of stubbornness and strength, and the book is representative of the attitudes of the time. A very satisfying Western Romance. ...more

Holt has always been my favorite of all the McKettricks. I always hated how Rafe, Kade and Jeb treated him as an enemy without thinking of how it was for him being abandoned. I even cried some for him in Secondhand Bride when he was willing to leave the Triple M for good because he had feelings for Chloe. I even secretly wanted him to be with Chloe, until I met Lorelei. She was perfect for Holt. Her strength was like nothing I had seen in any of the other McKettrick women. Though Mandy was stronHolt has always been my favorite of all the McKettricks. I always hated how Rafe, Kade and Jeb treated him as an enemy without thinking of how it was for him being abandoned. I even cried some for him in Secondhand Bride when he was willing to leave the Triple M for good because he had feelings for Chloe. I even secretly wanted him to be with Chloe, until I met Lorelei. She was perfect for Holt. Her strength was like nothing I had seen in any of the other McKettrick women. Though Mandy was strong, she was also weak, pining for Kade and telling herself she wasn't worthy of him or his family. Lorelei has always believed she deserved more. She refused to settle and struggled to make her own way in the world. She didn't feel like marrying was her only means of survival. I just loved how she loved Holt, not his name or his money. She didn't look at him and see a big house on a wealthy ranch, she saw a man who would love her. I could go on and on about these two, I just love their story!...more

The fourth book in the McKettrick series finally comes around to eldest brother, Holt.

Holt returns to Texas to help his friend, Gabe Navarro, who has been wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to hang. Also, the man who took him in as a teenager and whose last name he used for many years, John Cavanaugh, is in danger of losing his ranch.

Lorelei Fellows is tired of not living her life. She just caught her fiance in bed with the housekeeper on their wedding day. She decided to burn her fabuThe fourth book in the McKettrick series finally comes around to eldest brother, Holt.

Holt returns to Texas to help his friend, Gabe Navarro, who has been wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to hang. Also, the man who took him in as a teenager and whose last name he used for many years, John Cavanaugh, is in danger of losing his ranch.

Lorelei Fellows is tired of not living her life. She just caught her fiance in bed with the housekeeper on their wedding day. She decided to burn her fabulously expensive dress in the middle of town for all to see. Her father and fiance both plan on her changing her mind and marrying him anyway. She does not acquiesce and decides to strike out on her own (in a sense).

Holt and Lorelei have a strange relationship from the beginning. For about 3/4 of the book there doesn't seem to be all that much going on. In fact, they avoid each other more than anything. I wasn't sure about the relationship, but it won me over in the end and I ended up really liking it.

Much of this book is about the cattle driving--actually mostly going to pick up the cattle. The drive back seems to go by very quickly. I actually really liked that part of the book. It did has a bit of a slow spot about 1/2 way through, but the ending picked up and moved along quickly. ...more

Considering this is the story of a couple that branches off a whole line of characters in other books, I expected a lot more for it. Sadly, this one just turned out average for me. The characters were only so-so and the plot slow moving. I've come to expect better from Miller. Or maybe its just because its one of the earlier ones in the series (although you don't need to read any of the others) and her writing improved as she went along.

After hearing his friend has been sentenced to hang, Holt MConsidering this is the story of a couple that branches off a whole line of characters in other books, I expected a lot more for it. Sadly, this one just turned out average for me. The characters were only so-so and the plot slow moving. I've come to expect better from Miller. Or maybe its just because its one of the earlier ones in the series (although you don't need to read any of the others) and her writing improved as she went along.

After hearing his friend has been sentenced to hang, Holt McKettrick gallops back to Texas to try to right things. There he meets the fiery Lorelei as she's burning her wedding dress. The two can't stop arguing but there's definitely attraction there. However, too much is going on to dwell on it as they have to go get some cows for a ranch, find a lawyer for Holt's friend, and try to tame their wild hearts as they fight the attraction.

For characters, Lorelei and Holt are just kind of annoying. In fact, all the side characters are better than them and I would have rather read about them. Holt is just kind of a jerk (and despite the times I know he could have been better) and Lorelei never really struck me as interesting. She was kind of just there as someone for Holt to pair up with. As said before though I did like the side characters and found all of their stories very intriguing. They are what kind of saved the book.

The plot was very slow to start and drug along for about 2/3 of the book. Then the last 1/3 of the book just rushed right by. The pacing definitely could have been better. The love story in this one too wasn't as compelling. I don't see what made Lorelei and Holt attracted to each other. In fact, they didn't seem to like each other at all despite the sexual tension. And that is something to note, there are sex scenes in this book, if you don't like that, don't read. After all, this is a romance.

It wasn't a horrible book, but not too good either. I guess I'll just have to keep reading to see if Miller's normal good books come back. There's still a whole lot of McKettrick I haven't experienced.

Holt McKettrick is just about to hitch himself to his mail-order bride when a rider comes into town, telling Holt that Gabe Navarro, a good friend of his, is about to hang in Texas, and his foster father is about to be run off his ranch. Secretly relieved at delaying his nuptials, Holt abandons his wedding and heads for San Antonio. One of the first things he sees when he gets there is lovely Lorelei Fellows burning her wedding dress in the town square, after catching her husband-to-be en flagraHolt McKettrick is just about to hitch himself to his mail-order bride when a rider comes into town, telling Holt that Gabe Navarro, a good friend of his, is about to hang in Texas, and his foster father is about to be run off his ranch. Secretly relieved at delaying his nuptials, Holt abandons his wedding and heads for San Antonio. One of the first things he sees when he gets there is lovely Lorelei Fellows burning her wedding dress in the town square, after catching her husband-to-be en flagrante delicto with a house maid. Holt runs into Lorelei again at her home when he goes there to speak to her father, the judge who sentenced his friend Gabe to hang. His meeting with Judge Fellows goes nowhere, however, as Holt knows the man is in league with Templeton, a wealthy rancher who is after Holt’s foster father’s ranch and who framed Gabe for the crimes for which he is about to hang.

Holt isn’t the only one who has problems with Lorelei’s father, however. When Judge Fellows threatens to commit Lorelei to an asylum for refusing to marry her cheating fiancé, she starts to think about changing her life and actually living it. When she finds out she’s the owner of a small tract of land, she packs up her things and the Mexican couple who raised her, and heads out to start a new life on her own ranch. The house is a wreck and she has to start from scratch, but even the hardships Lorelei finds herself facing are exhilarating compared to her boring life in her father’s house. Even more exhilarating, though annoying, is the fact that Holt McKettrick is staying on a neighboring ranch. Against Holt’s better judgment, he invites Lorelei along on a cattle drive so that she can purchase some stock for her ranch, and the close proximity they find themselves in is of great amusement to the rest of their group, as just about everyone but Holt and Lorelei can see that they’re falling in love.

I picked this book up simply because I was looking for a sweet historical romance and knew Linda Lael Miller would deliver. I don’t read as many romances as I used to so I haven’t read everything by this author, but everything of hers that I have read has been satisfying, and this book was no exception. Though the pace of the story dragged a bit in the middle and the relationship between Holt and Lorelei could have used just a touch more flash, this was a very good historical romance novel with engaging characters and it made me feel like I was right there on the dusty Texas trail. As usual, Linda Lael Miller is worth the read....more

4.5stars actuallyIt was so easy to get back into the old west of the McKettrick as Holt interrupts his wedding to go back to his roots & save the family homestead.

This series is so easy to read with lovably layered characters that it raises the genre on my tbr. The comfort of an older western that ensures the good guys riding straight and tall in the saddle win and the villains so obviously twirling their moustaches don’t get away. There are even feisty heroines along the way. The conspirac4.5stars actuallyIt was so easy to get back into the old west of the McKettrick as Holt interrupts his wedding to go back to his roots & save the family homestead.

This series is so easy to read with lovably layered characters that it raises the genre on my tbr. The comfort of an older western that ensures the good guys riding straight and tall in the saddle win and the villains so obviously twirling their moustaches don’t get away. There are even feisty heroines along the way. The conspiracy afoot is one that the county judge, the town banker, the town lawyer and a greedy rancher are in cahoots to strip a poor black farmer with a slow-witted daughter of their home to satisfy the greedy rancher. What they failed to take into consideration is that just because you look alone doesn’t mean to you are lone as Holt rides in hell-bent for justice, meeting the almost spinster daughter of the judge Lorelei Fellows – who will not be bullied into marrying the town lawyer.

Lorelei Fellows is tired of waiting for life to happen, tired of having decisions made for her, tired of not being able to do things because of her sex – she’s just tired. But Lorelei also decides that she’d rather be alone than put up with her father, her fiancé or the Ladies Benevolent Society. So when an opportunity leaves her with a bit of land she seizes the opportunity. Never mind that a range war is brewing, never mind that she can’t do any of the things necessary for a ranch, never mind that she has no idea how to run a house – and never mine Holt Cavanaugh McKettrick! Holt has come to town on short notice to help a friend in need and his foster father – along the way he meets and falls for the most frustrating female ever born personified in Lorelei Fellows. To his thinking she should just go back and be a proper lady in her father’s house and wait until her future husband comes to claim her. Rafe comes to help which means we see more of him than the other drool worthy McKettrick brothers – and they are missed. Lorelei’s independent streak and her willingness to do everything she can to succeed makes her a fun character as she trades barbs with elder brother McKettrick. Holt is pretty much as we’ve seen him in the other books, there is just more of him.

This refreshing read is suitable for anytime and the pages go quickly. The characters are layered and detailed enough to give them personality and strong voices so that you are clear who is speaking and the unsaid things of their conversations. The story is evenly plotted to provide romance, action, drama and moments of suspense as with all tales from that bygone era - a good old-fashioned moral of the story delivered subtly. If this is your genre or your type of series you couldn’t go far wrong by giving it a read. If it’s not your genre this series may help you increase your horizons. ...more

I finally finished this book at 1:00 am. I'm a little tired today, lol.

Ok, review time. I really enjoyed this book. LLM is such a talented author. Her desriptions are great without being overwhelming. The majority of this book takes place on a cattle drive. It was great seeing the perils and hardships they faced on the long trek and their will to survive and be prepared.

The theme of this book was about not just going through the motions of life, but actually living. Living life to the fullest iI finally finished this book at 1:00 am. I'm a little tired today, lol.

Ok, review time. I really enjoyed this book. LLM is such a talented author. Her desriptions are great without being overwhelming. The majority of this book takes place on a cattle drive. It was great seeing the perils and hardships they faced on the long trek and their will to survive and be prepared.

The theme of this book was about not just going through the motions of life, but actually living. Living life to the fullest in all aspects. Setting aside your pride and staking a claim. It was a very good book.

The banter between Lorelei and Holt was also fun to read. Watching two stubborn people try to resist eachother is always fun.

SMALL SPOILER: Seeing Lorelei burn her wedding dress in front of the whole town gave me an odd surge of girl power, lol. My thought was "I am woman, hear me roar!" lol. I love it when a strong woman has a point to make, and does it with flair. haha

To sum it up, great story, great writing, great ending, etc. I would recommend this book to western lovers as well as romance lovers. I'm actually going to recommend it to a coworker (man in mid-forties) becasue I think he would enjoy it. He always talks about life in Nevada, where he grew up, and cattle drives in Texas. ...more

This very enjoyable, action-packed fourth and last entry in the McKettricks series tells the story of the oldest son, Holt and the woman he falls in love with, Lorelei. A whole lot happens in this book which starts with Holt leaving his wedding to a mail-order bride he likes but does not love to rush off to his old stomping grounds in Texas when he receives word that a good friend is sentenced to hang, another friend is missing and the man who was like a father to him is being forced off his ranThis very enjoyable, action-packed fourth and last entry in the McKettricks series tells the story of the oldest son, Holt and the woman he falls in love with, Lorelei. A whole lot happens in this book which starts with Holt leaving his wedding to a mail-order bride he likes but does not love to rush off to his old stomping grounds in Texas when he receives word that a good friend is sentenced to hang, another friend is missing and the man who was like a father to him is being forced off his ranch. He arrives in San Antonio to find the judge's daughter Lorelei burning her wedding dress in the town square after finding her fiance in bed with a housemaid. Holt is astonished, irritated and drawn to her against his better judgment. However, he has his hands full trying to save one friend's life, another friend's ranch and also locate the missing third friend. He has no time or intention to pursue the feisty Lorelei.

Except Lorelei has decided she's tired of living a boring life, trying to please her father and not scandalize society. She moves to the land next to Holt's friend's ranch, right in the middle of a burgeoning range war. On top of that, she doesn't know how to ride a horse, purchase livestock, use a gun, run a ranch, cook or do any housekeeping. In other words, she is a menace to herself but what she lacks in practical skills, she makes up for in determination and guts. She and Holt end up together on a long trail ride to buy cattle. Along the way they encounter old friends, hostile Comanches, and even some ghosts.

At first I was disappointed when I realized Holt was leaving Arizona and the colorful McKettrick clan. But there is still much talk and thought of his family, and a whole new cast of colorful, interesting characters and menacing villains. As always, I found Miller's descriptions of frontier life engrossing, whether the details are about hardships of ranch life, perils on a long drive or simple everyday events. After some consideration, I did knock my rating down to 4 stars because things were wound up a bit fast and one major, climatic event lacked almost all details. It was like Miller ran out of room for her sprawling plot and had to cut scenes.

Too bad, because even with a busy plot and the slow pace of the romance, I loved this book. Lorelei was a great match for Holt, both of them stubborn and determined to do whatever needed to be done to achieve their goals. I loved that while Holt wanted to protect Lorelei, he also respected and valued her strength of will. While Lorelei could easily have been a TSTL heroine, given that she knew nothing about the hard, often dangerous life she wanted to live, she was instead enjoyable, fun, and admirable. Only at the end of the book, does she rush into a situation in a way that made no sense, but I think that was due to the rushed or overly edited ending.

The four books in this wonderful series read as one long saga and are best read in order (High Country Bride, Shotgun Bride, Secondhand Bride and McKettrick's Choice). I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about this family and will miss these McKettricks, their wives and friends now that I am moving on to other books. ...more

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click here.I was looking forward to Holt's story. The book was, I don't know, a little disappointing. It wasn't great, and it wasn't bad. It was just okay.

Holt and Lorelei make a fascinating couple. They had a great passion between them. But too much of the book was spent on their conflicts and not enough on the connection between them. There weren't enough...softer...moments between them. They spent so much time fighting, that at the end, when they admit they love each other, it was just slightly off. I wI was looking forward to Holt's story. The book was, I don't know, a little disappointing. It wasn't great, and it wasn't bad. It was just okay.

Holt and Lorelei make a fascinating couple. They had a great passion between them. But too much of the book was spent on their conflicts and not enough on the connection between them. There weren't enough...softer...moments between them. They spent so much time fighting, that at the end, when they admit they love each other, it was just slightly off. I was also a little annoyed by how mean Holt tended to be to her. In all the other books in the series, he is always so kind and gentle to females, but right off the bat with Lorelei, he is contrary and high-handed. It didn't quite work for me.

My other complaint about the book was that it was too focused on the storyline. I really didn't want to read so many details about a cattle drive. I wouldn't have minded more about Holt and Lorelei. It just got kind of boring. But all the side characters were great.

Anyway, the book was okay...there was just something about it that kept me from loving it. Not sure how to explain it. As for the series as a whole, it was okay as well. Miller's writing isn't bad, but she often times sticks to the surface of things and doesn't get down to the nitty-gritty emotions that drive people. It was worth reading, I suppose, but it doesn't make any of my 'best' lists....more

First thought when finished: Great end to a series I really did enjoy.

What I Loved: I loved Holt! Granted I have loved Holt the entire time but it was nice seeing him come full circle. I loved that Rafe was redeemed in this book (in my eyes). I felt he finally accepted Holt and he was one of the family. I loved the romance, the setting, and just about everything in this story.

First thought when finished: Great end to a series I really did enjoy.

What I Loved: I loved Holt! Granted I have loved Holt the entire time but it was nice seeing him come full circle. I loved that Rafe was redeemed in this book (in my eyes). I felt he finally accepted Holt and he was one of the family. I loved the romance, the setting, and just about everything in this story.

What I Liked/Wished there was a little more of: Holt's daughter (Lizzie) was sadly missing in this story. Though I understand it because of the nature of what he had to do, I missed her! She is such a mini-Holt it isn't even funny! Though I heard that she is part of the Christmas Brides book so I will have to read that.

Final Thought: Sad to see the 4 brothers stories come to an end but it was a perfect ending.

This was a book that I kept waiting for the love story to pick up. I liked the characters and the back ground characters as well, yet it didn't pick up the way I hoped it might. Holt is a Man on a mission to save his friend from hanging for murder and to save his foster fathers ranch from an overpowering neighbor. When he arrives in San Antonio Loralei is burning her wedding dress in the town square. He is drawn to her over time yet there could have been much more built on this. Something that IThis was a book that I kept waiting for the love story to pick up. I liked the characters and the back ground characters as well, yet it didn't pick up the way I hoped it might. Holt is a Man on a mission to save his friend from hanging for murder and to save his foster fathers ranch from an overpowering neighbor. When he arrives in San Antonio Loralei is burning her wedding dress in the town square. He is drawn to her over time yet there could have been much more built on this. Something that I have noticed about LLM's writing is that there isn't a lot of physical descriptions. Some times I don't even remember what the character looks like or if she ever described them. Holt and Loralei argue and fight throughout the book and at times this can be distracting because not much is mentioned about their feelings that are growing for each other. Its is worth the read, but not one of my favorites. ...more

Holt McKettrick heads back to Texas to bail a friend out of jail and save his foster father's ranch. His mail order bride opts not to wait for him and marrys someone else. Once in Texas he meets Lorelai, the judges daughter. She is burning her wedding dress in the town square and almost sets herself on fire. Holt puts out the fire on the ground but turns out sparks of another kind are still flying. In order to get his ranger friend out of jail Holt needs to find another friend and ranger. In ordHolt McKettrick heads back to Texas to bail a friend out of jail and save his foster father's ranch. His mail order bride opts not to wait for him and marrys someone else. Once in Texas he meets Lorelai, the judges daughter. She is burning her wedding dress in the town square and almost sets herself on fire. Holt puts out the fire on the ground but turns out sparks of another kind are still flying. In order to get his ranger friend out of jail Holt needs to find another friend and ranger. In order to save the ranch he needs drive a herd of cattle back from mexico. Lorelai is trying to escape her father and start her own ranch so she weedles her way on the drive much to Holts chagrin. They face desert, indians and villians along the way. A true western drama with all the thrills and spills and romance. The swim in the pond with the leeches was pretty funny. Really Good Read....more

I was given this title to read by a friend and did not realize until I looked at the author's web site - after reading the book - that it was the 4th book in a series. I read it as an 'independent' title and thoroughly enjoyed it! The characterizations were strong and wonderful, the conversations lively, and the settings were described so clearly that I could picture each scene, each character, each conversation as clearly in my mind as if I was watching an exhilarating movie about the ol’ westI was given this title to read by a friend and did not realize until I looked at the author's web site - after reading the book - that it was the 4th book in a series. I read it as an 'independent' title and thoroughly enjoyed it! The characterizations were strong and wonderful, the conversations lively, and the settings were described so clearly that I could picture each scene, each character, each conversation as clearly in my mind as if I was watching an exhilarating movie about the ol’ west rather than reading a book. I loved it and will be sure to read Linda Lael Miller titles again! I was also very impressed to learn of her scholarships for women on her web site. http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/lindas... Ms. Miller’s philosophy is, “Educate a woman, and countless generations to come will benefit from the investment.” Very inspiring!...more

I really liked this book. the characters were credible and well developed. the authors takes you back to the late 1880's wild west where you feel that you there with the characters. There is a main story line between Lorelei and Holt and minor story lines that intertwined through out. There was a lot going on but it all worked together nicely.

I wasn't convinced at first, but I eventually got interested in the story. In the end, I enjoyed it.

The French translation isn't the best however, and the summary quite misleading (they talk about the "McKettrick patriarch" and I thought I was going to read a prequel, which would have been more interesting to me since I've never read any of the other books in the series).

I guess the one good thing this book has certainly done is made me want to read more western, especially romantic ones !

The story was cute and predictable but about 3/4 of the way in you start to get annoyed with how slow things are progressing. Ended fine though. I liked the protrayal of what it would be like to drive cattle. Makes you feel like you were there which is what I liked.

While at the library, wandering among the books as I do, I came across a bunch of books with the McKettrick in the title. Browsing quickly, I was unable to tell how the books fell in order, so I grabbed one. If I'm understanding the order correctly now, this would be the 4th book in this particular series. I'm going to read the others and I'm curious to see what my response will be since I didn't read chronologically.

I liked this book. Set in 1888, it includes a bit of everything expected in a sWhile at the library, wandering among the books as I do, I came across a bunch of books with the McKettrick in the title. Browsing quickly, I was unable to tell how the books fell in order, so I grabbed one. If I'm understanding the order correctly now, this would be the 4th book in this particular series. I'm going to read the others and I'm curious to see what my response will be since I didn't read chronologically.

I liked this book. Set in 1888, it includes a bit of everything expected in a story of the "old west."

Plot: Standard romance fare but that was fine with me. I wasn't looking for complicated when I read it.

Characters: I liked 'em all. Good guys were good guys and bad guys were bad guys.

As the daughter of a town marshal, Linda has come home to the western lifestyle that gave birth to one of today’s most successful authors. She left Washington years ago and pursued her wanderlust, living in Arizona and London and traveling the world. Now the author of more than 100 novels, the “First Lady of the West” is glad to be back home, writing contemporary and historical stories that have eAs the daughter of a town marshal, Linda has come home to the western lifestyle that gave birth to one of today’s most successful authors. She left Washington years ago and pursued her wanderlust, living in Arizona and London and traveling the world. Now the author of more than 100 novels, the “First Lady of the West” is glad to be back home, writing contemporary and historical stories that have earned her awards and placements on all the national bestsellers lists.

Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold FLETCHER’S WOMAN in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007....more